Pensioners have been given a boost in the Federal Budget with the pension for single people raised to $32.49 a week, while couples will have their pensions increased by $10.14 a week.
However, they will have to work an extra two years in order to be eligible, with the pension age increased from 65 to 67.
The changes will take place from September 20 and will also cover the disability support pension, the carer payment, the veterans’ pension and the war widows’ pension.
The decision follows months of campaigning by pensioner groups, arguing that they were struggling to survive on the current pension and were struggling with general household expenses.
“These are the most significant reforms to the pension since it was introduced 100 years ago,” Families Minister Jenny Macklin said in a statement.
